Steel A11 vs SKD11
Steel · grade comparison
Steel A11 and SKD11 are both steel grades, both tool steel. A11 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for SKD11, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 820 MPa (119 ksi). In exchange, SKD11 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for A11, and A11 is harder (269 HB vs 225 HB). A11 is lighter (7.41 g/cm³ vs 7.7 g/cm³ for SKD11) and A11 runs hotter in service (425°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, SKD11 machines more easily (32 vs 20 out of 100) and SKD11 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than A11 (specialty, $$$$$).
A11Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
SKD11Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
A11 vs SKD11: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Bulk Modulus
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Reduction in Area 20% · Shear Strength 550 MPa79.8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 2.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m25.6 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | A11 | SKD11 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 38 finishes: AlCrN, AlTiN, Black Oxide, CVD Al2O3, CVD TiCN, CVD TiN, Cerakote, Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, CrN, DLC, E-Coating and 26 more.
A11 vs SKD11 — frequently asked
Is A11 stronger than SKD11?
Yes. A11 has a typical yield strength of 600 MPa (87 ksi) against 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) for SKD11 — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 900 MPa (131 ksi) vs 820 MPa (119 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A11 or SKD11?
SKD11 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while A11 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, A11 or SKD11?
SKD11, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 32/100 against 20/100 for A11; for welding the order is SKD11 first (poor, 20/100) then A11 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A11 and SKD11 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.